The First Key Is Honour: Unlocking Greater Works in God

John 14:12 reminds us that we are called to do greater works. God has chosen us to represent Him on earth, and these greater works are not optional — they are part of our divine mandate. But to walk in them, we must embrace the spiritual keys that position us for God’s power and purpose.
The first of these keys is honour.

Called to Greater Works

Jesus said we would do greater works, and that promise still stands.
But greater works don’t begin with gifting, talent, or ambition — they begin with alignment.
To finish well and fulfil God’s mandate, our lives must be anchored in honour.

1. The Place of Honour

Honour is spiritual. It shapes how God moves through people and how heaven responds to earth.

God Works Through People

God is spirit. The authority to operate on earth has been given to humanity. This means God chooses to work throughpeople, not around them.
Even Jesus came as a man because God needed human agreement on earth.

• God required Moses’ “yes”
• God required Paul’s obedience
• God required Jesus’ submission

Heaven waits for earthly permission.

Why Doesn’t God Send Angels to Preach?

Because the gospel was entrusted to men, not angels.
The earth belongs to God, but rulership was handed to humanity. That’s why you have authority to resist the devil and command him to flee.

Acts 19:11

“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul.”
This shows partnership — God worked, but Paul’s hands were the instrument.
Without honouring God’s chosen vessels, we block what heaven can do through them.

Honour Reflects Our Heart Toward God

When we honour the servants God sends, we honour God Himself.

1 Samuel 2:30

“Those who honour Me, I will honour.”

Honour attracts longevity, favour, protection, and spiritual promotion.

Ephesians 6:1–3

Honouring parents brings long life.
Longevity is tied to honour.
Where honour flows, life flows.

Recognising and Respecting God’s Vessels

People called by God are not perfect.
A great man of God can have weaknesses just like anyone else.
Honour means:

• Not magnifying someone’s weakness
• Not judging what God is still shaping
• Valuing those who labour in Word and doctrine
• Following instructions with humility
• Giving gifts as a sign of esteem

If we despise the vessel, we limit what God can do through the vessel.

2. The Second Key — A Life That Becomes a Memorial

Matthew 26:7–13

A woman broke her alabaster oil at Jesus’ feet — a costly act that others called wasteful.
But Jesus declared that her devotion would be remembered forever.
Her sacrifice became her memorial.

True Honour Always Costs Something

She gave what she cherished most.
And that act anointed Jesus before His burial.

When we break our most precious things at His feet — our time, resources, pride, desires — God honours it.

People May Call It Waste

But Jesus calls it worship.
Anything laid at His feet becomes a memorial.

Greater Works Require Greater Surrender

You cannot walk in greater works without breaking something before God.
Nothing happens until something is surrendered.

• Break the habit
• Break the fear
• Break the comfort
• Break the pride
• Break the excuses

God uses what we lay down.

A Call to Build God’s House

The woman poured out her oil for Jesus.
We must pour out our lives for the body of Christ.

We need believers who are willing to serve, give, build, sacrifice, and even suffer for the Gospel.

Our focus must be to build the church again and again.

A Question for Every Believer:

How much have you contributed to the Kingdom of God?

Conclusion: Honour Unlocks Greater Works

Greater works aren’t for the casual or the half-hearted.
They are for those who honour God, honour His vessels, and honour His mission.

Honour opens the door.
Sacrifice keeps the door open.
And obedience helps us walk through it.

May honour be the first key that unlocks your greater works in Christ.